When did the term "serial killer" gain its current cultural meaning?

The term "serial killer" gained its current cultural meaning primarily through its association with the work of FBI Agent Robert Ressler in the 1970s. Ressler was instrumental in developing the Behavioral Science Unit in the FBI, where he coined the term to categorize a specific type of criminal who engages in a series of two or more murders, often with a psychological motive and a distinct pattern.

This classification was significant as it helped establish a clearer understanding of these offenders, their behaviors, and the psychological profiles associated with them. The formalization of the term by a law enforcement figure contributed to its acceptance and widespread use in both academic and popular discussions about crime and criminal behavior, embedding it into public consciousness.

While media portrayals and public trials certainly influenced public perception and interest in serial killers, the foundational terminology and categorization that shaped its meaning originated with law enforcement, specifically through Ressler's work. Thus, the naming by an FBI agent marks the pivotal moment when the term became culturally recognized in the context it holds today.